Crossroads Fitness Blog
Resolve to set goals, then be SMART about it
January 14, 2025
The New Year is here, and with it comes the overwhelming tradition of New Year’s resolutions.
January 1st of EVERY year becomes that day when we write down our list of items that proclaim this will be the year that we change our lives for the better. Items may include weight loss, stopping a bad habit or saving money.
Will your list look like last year’s list? For most of us, it is very similar. So, why are New Year’s resolutions unsuccessful? Simply put, it’s because there isn’t a plan to follow.
This year don’t call it a New Year’s resolution list. Let’s call your list – GOALS.
The reason why I encourage the change is this: Goals work.Goals mean action. Goals mean there is a plan.
Most of us make a list for the grocery store or errands that need to be run or create an agenda for a meeting. These all have one thing in common: something that needs to be done and how we intend to do it.
Whether you realize it or not, you are setting mini goals each day, regardless of whether they are on paper or a mental list in your mind.
When you begin to write your new goal list for 2025, begin with asking yourself some basic questions as to why you want to do this and how it will change your life if you achieve it.
The second step is to prioritize the items according to what is most important to you. Having a goal list of only a few items that you are serious about will make it easier to devote the time and attention needed to make you successful.
Take one item at a time. The next step is learn to take that item and turn it into a goal. Try using the SMART system when writing your goal.
For example, you may have written down that your number one goal is to lose weight.
Beginning with S, make your goal specific.
The M stands for measurable. You have to be able to measure your progress.
The A stands for attainable. Put your goals into smaller mini goals. Refer to the joke: “How do you eat an elephant? You eat it one bite at a time.”
The R stands for reasonable. This is where many people create unrealistic goals. Create a goal that you can actually see yourself completing.
The T stands for timely. Goals take time to achieve. You need to know how much time you are willing to give to achieve your goal. Most importantly, give yourself a timeline of when you want to achieve it.
Another important piece to being successful with your New Year’s goal list is to be accountable. Decide each week (ahead of time) what you plan to do, then hold yourself accountable.
For instance, take two group exercises classes, attend a strength training class or exercise with a buddy. Tell someone who is close to you about your plan. Ask for their help in keeping you on track.
Setting goals that follow the SMART plan and holding yourself accountable will lead to success.
Planning and commitment are what makes the difference between achieving the goals you want to achieve to enhance your life or waiting until the next January and putting the same items back on your list.
Challenge yourself to write goals this year, not resolutions.
January 1st of EVERY year becomes that day when we write down our list of items that proclaim this will be the year that we change our lives for the better. Items may include weight loss, stopping a bad habit or saving money.
Will your list look like last year’s list? For most of us, it is very similar. So, why are New Year’s resolutions unsuccessful? Simply put, it’s because there isn’t a plan to follow.
This year don’t call it a New Year’s resolution list. Let’s call your list – GOALS.
The reason why I encourage the change is this: Goals work.Goals mean action. Goals mean there is a plan.
Most of us make a list for the grocery store or errands that need to be run or create an agenda for a meeting. These all have one thing in common: something that needs to be done and how we intend to do it.
Whether you realize it or not, you are setting mini goals each day, regardless of whether they are on paper or a mental list in your mind.
When you begin to write your new goal list for 2025, begin with asking yourself some basic questions as to why you want to do this and how it will change your life if you achieve it.
The second step is to prioritize the items according to what is most important to you. Having a goal list of only a few items that you are serious about will make it easier to devote the time and attention needed to make you successful.
Take one item at a time. The next step is learn to take that item and turn it into a goal. Try using the SMART system when writing your goal.
For example, you may have written down that your number one goal is to lose weight.
Beginning with S, make your goal specific.
The M stands for measurable. You have to be able to measure your progress.
The A stands for attainable. Put your goals into smaller mini goals. Refer to the joke: “How do you eat an elephant? You eat it one bite at a time.”
The R stands for reasonable. This is where many people create unrealistic goals. Create a goal that you can actually see yourself completing.
The T stands for timely. Goals take time to achieve. You need to know how much time you are willing to give to achieve your goal. Most importantly, give yourself a timeline of when you want to achieve it.
Another important piece to being successful with your New Year’s goal list is to be accountable. Decide each week (ahead of time) what you plan to do, then hold yourself accountable.
For instance, take two group exercises classes, attend a strength training class or exercise with a buddy. Tell someone who is close to you about your plan. Ask for their help in keeping you on track.
Setting goals that follow the SMART plan and holding yourself accountable will lead to success.
Planning and commitment are what makes the difference between achieving the goals you want to achieve to enhance your life or waiting until the next January and putting the same items back on your list.
Challenge yourself to write goals this year, not resolutions.
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